Poipoia, under the leadership of Tina Porou, has been instrumental in advancing the principles of Te Mana o te Wai, focusing on the intrinsic value and life force of water. Their efforts encompass both training and the development of comprehensive guidance materials to support iwi, hapū, councils, and other stakeholders in implementing these principles effectively.
Training Initiatives:
In collaboration with the Pou Taiao of the Iwi Chairs Forum and Te Wai Māori Trust, Poipoia delivers introductory Te Mana o te Wai Training Programmes. These programmes are designed to equip hapū and iwi with resources and tools to achieve their freshwater objectives. The training spans 1.5 days, combining online sessions with in-person workshops across various regions in Aotearoa. Additionally, Poipoia offers half-day sessions tailored for regional councils to deepen their understanding of Te Mana o te Wai policies.
Beyond these programmes, Poipoia provides targeted capability and capacity-building initiatives, both online and in-person. These are tailored to assist hapū and iwi members in navigating New Zealand’s resource management regulatory framework and to guide organizations in integrating Te Mana o te Wai principles. Their training also encompasses understanding Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the context of resource management.
Guidance and Publications:
Poipoia has developed a suite of tools and guidance documents to facilitate the implementation of Te Mana o te Wai:
Te Mana o te Wai Guidelines for Mana Whenua: This resource assists mana whenua in defining and articulating their perspectives on Te Mana o te Wai, ensuring that freshwater management aligns with their values and knowledge systems.
Rangatiratanga o Te Wai Facilitation Programme: Aimed at empowering hapū and iwi, this programme supports the exercise of authority over freshwater resources, promoting active participation in decision-making processes.
Te Mana o te Wai Training Programme for Regional Councils: Tailored for council staff and decision-makers, this programme enhances understanding of Te Mana o te Wai, fostering collaborative approaches to freshwater management.
Te Mana o te Wai Audit Tool: This tool enables organizations to assess their adherence to Te Mana o te Wai principles, identifying areas for improvement in their freshwater management practices.
Business Case Template for Establishing a Hapū/Iwi Taiao Unit: A resource to guide hapū and iwi in setting up environmental units that uphold Te Mana o te Wai within their governance structures.
These resources are designed to foster collaboration between mana whenua and regional authorities, ensuring that policies prioritize the health and well-being of water bodies, thereby enhancing the overall health of rivers, lakes, aquifers, and estuaries.
Through these comprehensive training programmes and guidance materials, Poipoia plays a pivotal role in embedding Te Mana o te Wai into freshwater management practices across Aotearoa, honoring the deep connection between people and water.